Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herbed Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Perfectly seared salmon fillets with a golden crust, finished in a bright lemon-dill butter sauce that elevates this weeknight dinner to restaurant quality. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (keto, low-carb) ready in about 22 minutes pairs Salmon fillets, Olive oil, Lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes without moving until skin is golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 125°F, then transfer to a plate.
  4. Step 4: Melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in 1/2 tbsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 tbsp chopped dill and cook for 1 minute until wilted. Pour sauce over salmon and serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herbed Butter take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herbed Butter?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herbed Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herbed Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herbed Butter keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying